The jets will help defend Ukraine against Russian attacks.
PARIS — The first French-made fighter jets donated to Kyiv reached Ukraine today, the French government announced.
“On June 6, 2024, [President] Emmanuel Macron announced the delivery of French Mirage 2000s to Ukraine. The first of them arrived in Ukraine today,” Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu posted on X.
“With Ukrainian pilots trained for several months in France on board, they will now help defend the skies over the Ukraine,” he added.
It’s unclear how many warplanes are being given to the Ukrainian armed forces; French officials have refused to disclose a number.
In June, Lecornu insisted the donations “would not damage” France’s own defenses. Mirage 2000-5s are used for NATO missions, among others.
Ukraine also operates U.S.-made F-16s donated by countries including Denmark and the Netherlands.
